Here is a photo of a knife a friend picked up in Egypt.  Its a tourist knife but still interesting.  Any ideas on the best way to cleanup the blade?  The sheath is cut thru on the other side and it is two layers of leather with some kind of paper in between.  

If you want to save the handle tape it off and bead blast it/sand blast it.  Best would be to cut the handle off first and replace it after you've cleaned up the blade.

Bob Urban

If you plan to remove the handle, then put the blade in white vinegar for a day or two and scrub the rust / oxidation off. You can leave the grey finish and was the blade, or buff it to a nice shine and then wax or oil the blade.